Employment
Practical approaches to resolving conflicts and minimizing risk.
We represent employers in connection with all phases of the employer/employee relationship, from negotiating and drafting employment agreements through severance and termination. We regularly counsel companies of all sizes regarding the federal, state and local laws that impact the employment relationship.
We aggressively defend employers against the entire range of employment-related claims, including discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims, as well as claims of unpaid wages and overtime, including class actions. We practice before federal and state courts, administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, the New York City Commission on Human Rights and the New York State Department of Labor, and arbitrators and mediators.
While our employment attorneys are experienced and aggressive litigators, they also recognize that employers often prefer to avoid litigation if possible. Accordingly, the firm regularly counsels clients on how to avoid problems and minimize risk with respect to such issues as employee discipline, alleged harassment, the protection of trade secrets, reductions in force, severance and other matters. In addition, we draft and review employee handbooks, policies and contracts that define and regulate the employment relationship, including employment contracts and separation agreements.